The sun had barely begun to crest over the rugged cliffs of Veilstone City when Julian arrived at the Gym for the second day in a row. According to Lucario's mental instructions from the day before, Julian didn't actually need to be here today. He had been given enough "homework" to keep his brain buzzing for a week—sorting through the mental filing cabinets of Aura theory, breath control, and sensory expansion.
But Julian wasn't just here for himself.
"Toge-toge! (Morning training!)" 🐣
Togetic was hovering excitedly around Julian's head. After seeing Lucario's power, the little fairy was determined to master the secret of the blue energy. Since Togetic still needed guidance to bridge the gap between "Fairy wind" and "Aura power," Julian decided to make the trip.
Walking through the polished wooden corridors, Julian arrived at the secluded training room. Lucario was already there, sitting in a cloud of tranquil blue light, meditating so deeply he looked like a statue.
"I'm sorry to bother you again," Julian said, stepping onto the mat. "I know I'm supposed to be at the hotel studying, but Togetic was too excited to wait."
"Lucario. (It is no trouble. Consistency is the foundation of strength.)"
"Also," Julian said, reaching into his backpack with a grin, "you seemed to really enjoy the Pokéblocks yesterday. I went back and tweaked the recipe—more minerals for your Steel side and a better blend of spicy-sweet for the Fighting side. Think of it as Togetic's tuition fee."
He laid out several large, airtight boxes filled with shimmering, high-grade blocks.
"Lucario... (I accept.)"
The stoic warrior moved with surprising speed, casually sliding the boxes behind him before any passing apprentice could see the legendary Lucario accepting "bribes" from a rookie. The aroma alone was enough to make his mouth water; this human really was a master of his craft.
As Togetic began his morning drills under Lucario's watchful eye, Julian found himself lingering.
"By the way, Lucario... I had a few more questions about the mental flow. Sometimes, when I try to sense the perimeter, I feel a sudden 'hiccup' in the energy... almost like a static shock."
"Lucario, Lucario. (That is because your focus is too narrow. You are trying to 'look' with your eyes instead of your spirit...)"
As the two of them discussed the finer points of Aura, Julian's hands subconsciously moved. Before he even realized what he was doing, he was sitting right next to Lucario, and his fingers had found their way into the soft fur of the warrior's arm.
Rub... rub... knead...
"Lucario. (As I was saying... you must—)" Lucario paused, looking down at his arm, then at Julian, whose expression was becoming more and more "zen" with every stroke of the fur.
"Lucario! (Judging by your expression, you've had enough 'spiritual connection' for one morning, haven't you?)" Lucario said, his mental voice sounding dryly amused.
Julian snapped out of his trance, his face instantly turning as red as a Magost Berry. He pulled his hands back, coughing awkwardly. "Cough! Right! Yes! Very educational! I... uh... I should probably go give you two some space for the real training."
He practically bolted for the door, leaving Togetic with a thumbs-up. "Togetic, train hard! I'll be back to pick you up in the afternoon. Don't eat all the snacks at once!"
"Jia gei gu! (Got it!)"
The Encounter at the Gate
Julian rushed out into the main courtyard, the cool air helping to lower the temperature of his burning cheeks. He checked his Pokédex to see the time.
"Wait... have I really been 'petting' for forty-five minutes?" Julian muttered to himself, horrified. "I need help. I really do."
He started walking toward the main entrance, intending to head to the city's market to stock up on ingredients for a massive dinner. But before he could reach the street, a familiar high-pitched bark echoed through the stone archway.
"Riolu! Rio-rio!"
Two small, blue-and-black figures darted across the path, nearly tripping Julian. They were Riolu—the energetic, unevolved forms of Lucario.
"Riolu, wait for us! You're too fast!"
Julian looked up and saw two girls running toward him, breathless and laughing. One had long, vibrant red hair tied back in a sporty style—Maylene, the future Gym Leader. The other had bright blonde hair and a pair of roller skates slung over her shoulder—Korrina, the future Mega Evolution successor from Kalos.
It's them! The "Fighting-Type Prodigy" duo! Julian thought, his eyes widening.
"Hello there," Julian said, offering a friendly smile as the girls caught up to their Riolu. "I remember you two from the match the other day. You're from the Gym, right? And you helped me with that photo! Are these Riolu your partners?"
"Yes! I'm Korrina!" the blonde girl chirped, leaning over to catch her breath. "And this is Maylene. Sorry about the Riolu... they were practicing their 'sensing' drills and suddenly just bolted toward the gate."
The two Riolu were staring at Julian, their small snouts twitching as they sniffed the air around him. Julian chuckled, knowing exactly why.
"It's okay. They probably sensed the lingering Aura from my training session with Lucario," Julian explained.
"Whoa! Is that true?" Maylene's eyes lit up. "You can use Aura? Like, for real? Grandpa said you were talented, but I thought he was just being nice because you're a guest!"
"Grandpa?" Julian feigned a bit of surprise. "Oh! So Grandpa Aaron is your grandfather? That makes sense. And Korrina, you mentioned you're from Kalos? What brings you all the way to Sinnoh?"
"My grandpa sent me!" Korrina said proudly, lifting her chin. "He's the Gym Leader of Shalour City back home. He said I needed to see how other regions train their Fighting-types before I turn ten and start my own journey. This Riolu isn't officially 'caught' yet, but we've been best friends since we were babies. He's going to be my first partner!"
"Me too!" Maylene chimed in, hugging her Riolu. "Grandpa says I'm going to take over this Dojo one day, so I have to be the strongest in Veilstone!"
A Rare Opportunity
Julian looked at the two future legends. Right now, they were just kids with big dreams and adorable partners.
"That's amazing," Julian said. "Future Gym Leaders, huh? I'd better be careful what I say, or you might not give me a badge when I come back to challenge you in a few years."
"You bet!" Maylene clenched a tiny fist. "I'll be way tougher than Grandpa!"
"And I'll be the first to master Mega Evolution!" Korrina added.
Julian's heart skipped a beat. They're so full of spirit. I have to document this. "Hey, since we're all here... and since you're future legends, do you think I could take a commemorative photo with you two? I like to record my travels, and this feels like a very special moment."
"A photo? With us?" Korrina blinked. "Sure! Why not?"
Julian rummaged through his pack and pulled out his professional-grade camera. He looked around and spotted a passing Gym apprentice—the same chatty kid from yesterday.
"Hey! Can you do me a favor and snap a photo of us?"
"Sure thing, Mr. Julian! Anything for the guy who took on the Master!"
Julian lined them up. "Okay, Maylene, stand a little to the left. Korrina, move closer to the center. Riolu, try to look at the lens!"
The two girls posed with their Riolu, beaming with the kind of pure, untainted excitement that only young Trainers possess. Julian squatted down between them, giving a peace sign.
"Ready? Say... 'Moo-moo Milk!'"
"MOO-MOO MILK!" x3 "RIOLU!" x2
Click!
The flash went off, capturing the moment forever. Julian took the camera back, checking the screen. It was perfect. The sun was hitting the Gym's architecture in the background, and everyone's smiles were radiant.
"I'll develop these tonight," Julian promised. "I'll bring a copy for each of you tomorrow. You can keep them to remember your training days when you're famous Gym Leaders."
"Really? Thanks, Julian!" Maylene grinned.
"You're a cool big brother!" Korrina added, giving him a high-five.
The two girls suddenly realized the time and gasped in unison. "Oh no! Training starts in five minutes! If we're late, Grandpa will make us do five hundred squats!"
"Run! See you tomorrow, Julian!"
They vanished back into the Dojo, their Riolu trailing behind them like little blue shadows. Julian stood there for a moment, waving until they were out of sight.
The Evening Record
That night, Julian returned to the hotel after a massive shopping spree. He spent the evening cooking a feast—seared steaks for Growlithe, delicate floral salads for Floette, and high-protein bowls for Togetic and Sylveon.
Once the Pokémon were tucked in and snoring softly, Julian sat at his desk. He looked at the developed photo—the one with the two future leaders. He smiled, flipped it over, and began to write.
Julian with Korrina (Childhood Ver.) and Maylene (Childhood Ver.) and their Riolu partners.
I can't believe my luck! I officially met the future Gym Leaders of Veilstone and Shalour today. I was right—Korrina is here on a study exchange. Even as kids, they have so much fire in their eyes. Though, honestly? It feels like their Riolu are the ones babysitting them. They're like protective older brothers to these two chaos-makers.
I made a promise to challenge them when they grow up. I wonder what kind of Trainers they'll become? I'm actually really looking forward to it. It's not every day you get a "Super Rare Collectible" like a photo of two future legends before they even have their first Poké Balls.
Also... I've been petting Lucario too much. My hands still feel like they're vibrating. Aura is a dangerous thing for a fur-lover like me.
Alliance Calendar, June 20th — Veilstone City.
Julian leaned back, looking at his five badges and his growing collection of memories. Tomorrow was his last day in Veilstone. The egg in his bag was starting to feel warmer, a rhythmic thumping coming from inside the shell.
"Whatever happens next," Julian whispered, "it's going to be a wild ride."